Are you curious about how fonts are made? Do you find yourself sketching letters or wondering how designing typefaces as an African looks like? If so, this course is for you.

Intro to Type Design for Africans is a beginner-friendly online workshop that introduces you to the world of type design. In 6 weeks, you’ll learn how letters are constructed, how to digitize your ideas, and how to give your typeface a unique voice. At the end, you’ll walk away your first mini type project and a better eye for letters.

Program Outcomes:

Create a typeface of your own

Have an understanding of the type design process

Be part of a supportive community of African type enthusiasts

What You’ll Learn:

Fundamental principles of type design

Sketching techniques

Basic use of Glyphs App

Learn how to design Latin caps (A-Z)

Develop a critical eye for shapes, spacing, rhythm, and contrast

Acquire proofing skills & achieve quality and consistency

Design a mini type specimen that showcases your project

Material Needed:

Good internet connection

Mac computer (laptop or desktop)

Glyphs App (a free temporary license will be issued to each student)

A Discord account (invitation to a class group will be sent to registered participants)

Adobe Creative Suite or Affinity Designer to test the fonts

Sharpie or preferred black ink marker

White-out correction pen

Black ink or paint

A drawing pad or paper (8.5” x 11” or larger)

Tracing paper

General drawing tools: pencils, eraser, rulers, etc.

Access to a B&W laser printer for proofing (optional; 1200 dpi recommended)

Learning Format:
For this program, we will be working with Glyphs App (Mac only). A temporary Glyphs App license will be provided to all participants for the duration of the class. Live classes will be held on Google Meet on Wednesdays during the course of the program, with optional office hours on Saturdays. Communication and sharing work will be done through a Discord channel. Pre-recordings will also be made available after every class.